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Nationwide vigils to mark Great War centenary

Candle-lit vigils could be held at churches and buildings across the country to mark next year's Great War centenary.

On August 4 2014, it will be 100 years since war was declared, and it is understood the Government is in talks with various churches and faiths to create a large-scale national event.

Hundreds of thousands of British troops were killed in the First World War Credit: War/Topham Picturepoint/PA

The centenary's highlight will be a candle-lit vigil at Westminster Abbey, finishing with the last candle being extinguished at 11pm - the moment war was declared.

A Government source said: "We are keen to ensure that this is a centenary programme that the country can come together on.

"We have seen in recent years that communities across the UK are really at their best when they are brought together with feelings of patriotism and history; we saw this with the jubilee, the royal wedding and the Olympics."